We have a wide range of employee benefits available to all our staff as a way to attract, retain and contribute towards improving wellbeing. We are always looking at ways in which we can improve our offering to ensure that our benefits are valuable to our staff.
Cycle to Work
Through the Cycle to Work scheme, eligible staff can buy a new bike for travelling to work, and because it is paid for through a salary sacrifice arrangement, significant savings in income tax and NI can be made for the employee. We also provide secure cycle parking for staff.
Pension
On joining the Laurus Trust we automatically enrol you into one of our workplace pension schemes, either the Teachers’ Pension Fund (TP) or the Local Government Pension Fund (LGPF). Once you are enrolled you will commence paying into your pension via automatic payments from your monthly pay and the Trust will contribute to your pension also.
Menopause Champions
With the help of our Menopause Champions in all our schools, our aim is to break the stigma and create a working environment where our employees feel comfortable and supported. Our Menopause Champions are a main point of contact for staff to go to if they have any worries or concerns. Having access to regular and honest conversations can help us to ensure the right support is in place enabling staff to continue to do their role effectively.
Specialist Support
An established Pastoral System led by non-Teaching staff is in place with a fully embedded Behaviour Policy and rewards system as well as a dedicated and specialist support staff network. This has led to an exceptionally positive and rewarding working environment with exemplary student attitudes to learning.
Giving back
The simple act of saying thank you goes a long way. Here at the Laurus Trust, we try to go further than that with several thank you initiatives. We also choose two charities to support each year through fundraising initiatives.
Family Friendly
Enhanced family leave is available to support our staff with family commitments and to maintain a work-life balance. We also take a pro-active approach to flexible working.
Free counselling
Face-to-Face and/or Telephone Counselling - up to six face-to-face or telephone counselling sessions for all employees.
Employee Assistance Programme
The Trust provide an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to all employees through the Education Support Partnership who are dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of education staff. Education Support provide a free 24/7 service for school staff to access a range of emotional and practical support including: Financial Guidance, Money Management, Legal Information, Information, Signposting and Support, Coaching service for line managers, Aware: A Mindfulness Programme, Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Life Coaching.
Subsidised gym membership
All staff can use the fitness suites at Club Cheadle Hulme, Hazel Grove Sports Centre, Club Laurus and Club Didsbury for free in the morning before school and receive subsidised gym membership for out of school hours.
Free flu vaccines
Our NHS nursing colleagues undertake a programme of flu vaccinations in each school during the Autumn Term, this is available to all staff free of charge.
Mental Health First Aiders
We have a qualified Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) in every Laurus Trust school offering support to anyone with a developing mental health issue or in mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders are trained to spot the early signs of poor mental health, including warning signs of other common mental health conditions. They know how to offer and provide initial help as well as provide guidance towards appropriate treatment and other sources of support.
Wellbeing HUB
Our Wellbeing HUB is home to information regarding health & wellbeing support services available to all staff. The HUB includes information about signposting, Wellbeing Champions, Mental Health awareness, online learning, toolkits, workshops, guidance information and more.
Staff Development Programmes
The Laurus Institute is home to all our professional learning and development opportunities for teaching and support staff.
As further professional learning is at the heart of what we do, we provide a comprehensive range of externally accredited programmes and in-house learning and development opportunities to staff at any stage in their career.
From skills development sessions to Apprenticeships and Master level qualifications, we invest a significant amount of time and money in the development and progression of our most valuable assets.
We aim to provide time efficient, relevant, and practical learning that staff can connect with and transfer back into the workplace, realising a return on our investment.